Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.

Ephesians 5:1-2a

Fashion trends come and go. But while they are current, we know exactly what they are, whether it’s skinny jeans or skinny ties, leggings with tunics, bell-bottoms, or shoulder pads. How do we know what’s hip? Well, all we have to do is look around: everyone’s doing it. Of course, today, we have Pinterest and social media to tell us how to stay in front of the fashion curve—from smooth hair and smooth foreheads to amplified backsides and amplified lips. 

It’s human nature, isn’t it? To imitate others (for better or worse). We want to look, dress, sound, and act like what we deem as “now”—heaven forbid we use the wrong slang term or show up wearing last year’s (or last decade’s) style. 

Most of this is chasing the superficial, but sometimes mirroring others is about wanting to improve ourselves. Perhaps there’s someone at work we admire, whether it’s their work ethic, career path, or position. If we want to attain that success, we will observe and follow suit. We will imitate that person (for better or worse).

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not bashing the choices anyone makes regarding trend-following. I do plenty of it (although I like to be just to the left or right of it—those who know me well understand what I mean). But, as Christ-followers, we are called to aspire to a different Standard. We are to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). 

That’s a tall order. The great news is that it involves similar action that we take regarding worldly trend-following—just using a different Source. Instead of checking out the latest fashion blog with instruction how to wear booties with leggings, open the Bible and read how to “wear” the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Exchange reading about how to not look foolish at the next party (which may take place in 2022 at the rate we’re going) and discover all that the Word of God has to say about how to not be a fool (Psalm 14:1, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Titus 3:3…and practically all the Proverbs). 

The Bible is our ultimate Guidebook to what’s “eternally hip” in God’s eyes. Every chapter has insight into saying the right thing, doing the best thing, and being truly radiant wherever we go. In fact, becoming more like Christ as we walk through this world is what we’re tasked to do the moment we decide to trust Jesus and surrender to Him. The fancy theological word is sanctification, but we can just call it imitating Christ. And just as being a copycat to the latest trend has the power to potentially transform us, imitating Him will absolutely change us. And, sisters, it’s always for the better.

Lord, may I follow the Truths in Your Word, as I walk through this world—imitating You so much so that I start a trend that others will follow.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Whatever your age, one thing is for sure: you are getting older. From young childhood, though, “getting older” was a constant desire. As teenagers, we couldn’t wait to be independent adults. In our early 20s, we looked forward to having that better job, more money, and perhaps a spouse and family. But once there are more than 45 or so candles on the cake, a few shifts happen.

First, time starts flying by—quicker every year. We blink, and another birthday is upon us. Second, if we have kids, those physical demands of parenting young children morph into emotional stressors that seem to grow as they do, remaining even after they leave the house and marry. But beyond the emotional, psychological, familial, and career shifts that occur into our fourth, fifth, or sixth decade of life, one of the biggest is physical.

I don’t know about you, but when I turned 48, everything changed for me. The same workouts I’d been doing at the gym seemed to no longer bring strength—they induced pain. Even as I become more careful with physical activities of every kind over the past few years since then, I experience more aches and random discomfort. (I heard a comedian say that once we turn 50, we can literally wake up with a sprained ankle. If you’re over 50, you’re probably laughing.)

So, what does this “it hurts to get old” talk have to do with spiritual truth? Well, after herniating a disc a few months ago and now living in consistent back pain, I was comforted to read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, acknowledging the fact that our bodies are wasting away (v16). But, praise God, this body is not our permanent residence! As we walk with the Lord, becoming more like Him the longer we travel with Him, our spirits are being renewed. We are growing and flourishing inwardly while our exterior is fading. Our pain and aches in this life are indeed “momentary and light” as compared with our eternal glorified bodies. 

I know that some days it’s very hard to keep that perspective—Paul knew it too. That’s why he finishes his exhortation by reminding us to fix our eyes not on what is seen (or physically felt), but on what is unseen—our spiritual existence and eternal home (v18).

Honestly, I think that the slowing down, the aches, and the constant physical reminders of decades gone by are God’s way of keeping our focus on the right thing (Him) and in the right place (Heaven). Perhaps we can, with each twinge of discomfort or shot of outright pain, turn to the Lord in thanksgiving that something so much better awaits us.

Father, thank You that this world is not our home and this body is not our permanent dwelling. As I ask to be physically strengthened and healthy in this life, please also keep me appreciative of the life to come.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:13-15

I don’t know about you, but I don’t generally like surprises very much—my husband of 26 years can attest to this. In fact, I love making plans. Whether it’s for the day, week, month, or year ahead, I’ve got my sticky notes, lists, and paper planner all reminding me what I will be doing and where I’ll be going when. This way, there are no surprises. Life is made up of expectations to be met and lists to conquer. It’s the perfect scenario for us control freaks—can I get an “Amen”?

And that’s all fine and dandy, except for the truth that we’re not in control. Every breath we take is because the Lord has allowed for it. When we wake up in the morning—to new mercies, mind you—it is only due to the grace of God. All those lists and schedules are great, but if our Heavenly Father deems that an unseen “Plan B” is better for us, then that’s what will happen. The Bible tells us clearly, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Now, I’m not saying that our plans are irrelevant, or that every move each day is made for us, like we’re puppets on strings. Actually, because our amazing God wants us to love Him by our own choice, He has given us free will in all things. We can watch that show or not, cheat on our taxes or not, give cheerfully to the church or not…love God—or not. 

But wait, aren’t I contradicting myself? Are we in control, or are we not in control? There’s a long, complicated theological discussion in this question that has raged through the centuries, so I’m not even going to try to attempt the solve in this little blog post. But what I will say it this: As Christians, we need to understand and remember who God is. He is Sovereign, He is all-powerful, and He knows what’s best for us. We are called to be self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-8), but not controlling. And when we stay surrendered to Him and remain obedient to His Word, our actions and choices will be aligned with His will. Because we want to please and glorify Him, His will becomes our will. (When we are adamant to do what we want, He’ll certainly let us…but the ultimate outcome may not be good for us—even if it “feels good” at the time.) 

So, every morning when our eyes (miraculously) open, let’s give the day to the Lord. With each list made, let’s yield to Him. Since God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), let’s make our plans—and prayers—with this holy caveat: “Lord willing.”

Father, as I make my lists and plans—for today, tomorrow, and next year—let me do so with the knowledge that it’s Your will that I really want. Not mine.

You were bought at a price.

1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23

In this time warp that is 2020, it’s astounding to me that Christmas is just around the corner. Wasn’t it just the 4^th of July last week? Or, wait, maybe that was 17 years ago. The nation’s response to this virus has turned every day since March into Blursday—can I get a witness?

But it is definitely December and, ready or not, Christmas is here. Some of you have, no doubt, been cranking up the carols since early November. (Dare I say, September?) Others of you (like a certain sister-in-law of mine) have had all your Christmas gifts purchased or handmade by August 1. And although it looked a bit different this year, Black Friday may have been that hallowed day you awaited to get most of your presents purchased.

No matter the Christmas-gifting style, we’re all on the hunt for a bargain—we never want to pay full price. In stores or online, we hit the sales section/tab and assess the markdown amount, getting giddy at the denoted percentage saved. This is especially exciting at Christmas, when there’s a high quantity of items needing to be purchased, so the cheaper, the better! 

But, friends, I want to challenge us this Christmas to focus on another price tag, one paid at the full price—in full. 

When we sing carols celebrating Emmanuel, God with us, and how Jesus came to earth to live among us, let’s not stop at the manger scene. He was born to die. That baby, fully human and fully God, grew to make a way—to BE the Way—for our salvation. To take our sins (past, present, and future) and make them His own, taking on the penalty—death—so we could live. His blood, shed on the cross, cleansed us of our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), so we can stand before God perfectly righteous and holy. 

Sin has a hefty price tag, one that cannot be marked down by good works or big church donations. And this great debt has grave consequences if not paid: eternal separation from God, full of suffering. But Jesus Christ, the Baby we celebrate on Christmas, arrived to earth, proverbial pen in hand, to one day pay the bill. And He did. He paid the price on the cross and then defeated death, rising again to finish the purchase on our behalf. He gave us the priceless gift of eternal life in His presence.

So, with every sale price we pursue this Christmas—and all year long—let’s pause to give thanks to the One who paid it all for us.

Lord, thank You doing what I could not, for giving everything—Your life for mine—so I could live in Your presence for eternity.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  

Acts 16:25

It’s easy to praise the Lord when things are going smoothly in life—when family, work, health, finances, etc., are all humming along. (Wait, is that even a thing?) And a hearty “hallelujah!” rolls right off the lips when we see God do a miracle in an impossible situation. Or, when we’ve joined others in praying for a stormy situation to be calmed, a prodigal to return, or wisdom to be found, and He shows His amazing power and grace, an outpouring of praise and thanks comes naturally. (In fact, even unbelievers will provide a “Thank God” when circumstances go their way.) 

Oh, but what about those dark nights when the pain of life is palpable despite our cries to our Heavenly Father? When, even with an army of prayer warriors on our side, our expressed will is not aligned with God’s, so the resulting outcome is harder to humanly bear than the challenge itself—what happens to our prayers then? Or if the Lord, for His timing and eternal reasons, allows us to endure a season of being beaten and bruised even though we’re walking closely with Him…how can we possibly raise a “hallelujah” then?

Brothers and sisters, we can—we must—continue in faithful praying, praising, and singing even in the darkness. This is when unbelievers around us are watching us most closely to witness what’s going to happen to our “praise God” proclamations. Like Satan (or even Job’s own wife!) observing Job, those around us are just waiting for us to curse God in our suffering and turn away…Will we take back our surrendered life, relying on our own wisdom and wits to get us through? Will we completely abandon Him, with a God’s-not-big-enough conclusion? 

Like Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:16-40), we have an amazing opportunity to stand firm and demonstrate our faith to unbelievers in dark, difficult times. See, without good cause, these guys were stripped, beaten with rods, and shackled in prison. Then, in the middle of the night (probably not sleeping because of the intense pain), they began praying and singing aloud to God, “and the other prisoners were listening to them” (vs. 25). And when all the doors were miraculously opened, and everyone’s chains unfastened—not just Paul’s and Silas’—something incredible happened. Because of the demonstrated faith of these men, the jailer, and ultimately his whole household, believed in the Lord Jesus and were saved. He even fed Paul and Silas and tended to their wounds. 

Luke tells us in this chapter that none of the other prisoners escaped, but he doesn’t say why. In my sanctified imagination, though, I think the actions of Paul and Silas made a huge impact on them before the doors blew open—they were listening, after all. They didn’t know a miracle was about to happen. They just saw and heard these two Christians responding to their dire circumstances with prayer and song. So, I like to believe they accepted Jesus as Lord earlier that night. And, in my mind’s eye, I can see them singing harmony with Paul and Silas as their own chains fell off. 

Lord, let me use the dark circumstances of my life to shine Your light brighter, demonstrating faithfulness and trust to a doubting world.  

…but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.   

James 3:8-10

That tiny little muscle in our mouth—how powerful it is. In the New Testament, James compares the tongue to a horse’s bit and a ship’s rudder. What awesome metaphors to visualize its formidable control. Oh, but controlling it is a whole other matter.

As a Christian, I love to praise the Lord with songs and hymns. I lift up my family and friends daily in prayer, professing my hopes but yielding to His will. When I spend time in God’s Word, amazed by how He can speak to me afresh through verses I’ve read time and time again, I give Him thanks for conviction and edification. And I use my written words in an effort to glorify the Lord—not really a tongue-initiated exercise, per se, but the keyboard certainly becomes a tool of my tongue. 

Now, before you start rolling your eyes thinking how holier-than-thou I must think I am, keep reading.

This same lil’ tongue of mine lashes out at those I love in frustration and impatience, causing pain not easily assuaged. An unsuspecting customer service person on the other end of the phone line can be the recipient of angry, accusatory words. And, as hard as I try to avoid talking about politics or the current cultural upheaval, when engagement in these topics occurs, my tongue takes on a whole life of its own, spewing words of disgust and hatred. In fact, in these scenarios (and many others, believe you me), should a stranger hear the words flowing from my tongue, “Christ-follower” would probably not be the first label they’d mentally stick on me.

As James writes, no human being can tame the tongue. It is too powerful. And our fallen state—our sin nature—has steeped our tongue with poison, like tea colors every water molecule in a mug. Once surrendered to Jesus, we do use our tongues to give glory to God. It’s a joy and our desire. But, just like the Apostle Paul talked about doing what he doesn’t want to do because of the constant battle with the flesh (Romans 7:15-20), we will struggle with this little muscle as long as it’s in our fallen body. 

Thankfully, we’re not in this battle alone. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit to help us tame our tongue. By yielding to Him, He will take control, placing a guard over our mouth when we ask Him to (Psalm 141:3). The more we surrender to the Holy Spirit, the less power our flesh has…and the “fruitier” our lives—and words—become (Galatians 5:2-23).

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

As this year is coming to end, my chronological reading of the Bible has brought me to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. And amid the various emotions stirred by the events (bewilderment, shock, and grief, to name a few), the one that always floats to the top is overwhelming gratefulness. 

With each author’s telling, we’re astounded to hear the crowds calling out for Christ’s death just hours after they shouted words of adulation upon His entry into Jerusalem. But there is a piece of the story that may be brushed by in the reading, as our anticipation turns our focus to Calvary.

Just prior to Pontius Pilot asking what he should do with Jesus, and the crowd’s condemning response, the governor asked them which prisoner he should release to fulfill their Passover custom. Their choice was for a man named Barabbas, a murderous insurrectionist. Although these events are penned in all four Gospels, it’s Matthew’s account (27:16-26) that transports me into the shoes of this imprisoned criminal. 

See, Barabbas was probably sitting in a cell not far from where Pilate was talking with the people. And I envision him focused on the commotion but hearing only the loud shouts of the crowd—not the words of Pilate. Barabbas knows he’s a bad guy. And he knows a prisoner will be released. So, as I sit with him behind those bars, this is what we hear: “Barabbas!” … pause … ”Crucify him!” Despite his criminal mind and murderous heart, he was, I imagine, terrified by the horrific penalty awaiting him…crucifixion. As the guards approach his cell, the weight of his impending punishment may even have brought him to tears.

But then the Roman guard opens the locked door and tells Barabbas to get out. Astounded and confused, he might have asked what happened, to which the guard may have said, “Jesus is being crucified—you’re free.” And maybe, just maybe, at the moment Barabbas was walking out of that cell, his path crossed that of Jesus being taken away to be flogged, tortured, and nailed to a cross. And perhaps, for a fleeting moment, their eyes met during that Great Exchange.

Brothers and sisters, let this sink in for a moment. We deserve to pay the ultimate price—death—for our sins (Romans 6:23). But we have been freed. Jesus Christ took on our wrongdoings and served our sentence. He sacrificed Himself, dying an excruciating death in our place, so we can live. His blood covers our debt and washes us as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). Because of Jesus, when we, offenders like Barabbas, stand in front of God our Judge, we will not be condemned. Instead, He will look at us and say, “Your penalty has been paid in full. You are free.”

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us.

Psalm 103:11-12

If you set out to go north from Lynchburg, Virginia (where I sit as I write this), you can travel exactly 3,641 miles until you start going south. Or you can head south from here, but once you’ve gone 8,789 miles, you will—as you’ve probably guessed—turn northward. 

But how far can you travel west until you’re going east? Or, likewise, how many miles would you have to go east until you’re heading west? That’s kind of a trick question, because the answer is: you don’t. When you turn and move east from anywhere and keep going eastward, no matter how far you go, you’ll never run out of east. Same thing going the other way: You cannot go to the end of “west.” It’s hard to wrap your head around, isn’t it?

This fact makes God’s promise to us in Psalm 103 even more astounding. In verse 12, we’re told He has removed our transgressions from us “as far as the east is from the west.” Through His amazing grace and the work of Jesus on the Cross, our sins are forgiven—we are made righteous in the sight of God. And at that moment, He casts our sins—past, present, and future—into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), never to be brought up again (Hebrews 8:12).

Brothers and sisters, please let this sink in. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and ask for forgiveness, He forgives us. And He does not keep bringing up our wrongdoings. So, when your mind and heart are being pummeled with disgrace, or if you’re dragging around heavy shackles of shame wherever you go (think Marley in “A Christmas Carol”), know this is not of your heavenly Father! This is a tool of your enemy whose goal is your discouragement. He wants you to doubt how wide, how long, how high, and how deep the love of Christ is toward you (Ephesians 3:18). He wants you to look in the mirror each day and see filthy stains of your sin, not the cleansed, white-as-snow vision of beauty you are through Jesus (1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:7).

Certainly, we may have to live out the consequences of our sinful choices and carry the scars. But I pray these serve as reminders of God’s love and forgiveness toward us—not constant condemnation as your enemy would prefer. And may we use them as a means to share the Truth of the Gospel with others. 

Lord, I am so thankful for Your forgiveness—and Providential forgetfulness. Help me walk in the freedom of this Truth and share it unreservedly with others.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.    

James 1:2-4

Some people believe, mostly because of false teachers, that when they give their lives to Jesus, the Christian life will be easy—a cake walk. And it strikes me that despite the use of this idiom, its origin may be unfamiliar. A cake walk is a party game where everyone gets a delicious dessert just by walking in a circle—it’s an easy win. And this is a perfect description for the lies within the “prosperity gospel” teaching: If you have enough faith, you’ll be healthy, rich, and deliriously happy. It’s an easy win, when it comes to worldly treasures and desires.

The problem with this approach to the Christian life is that it’s not Biblical—and Jesus taught quite the opposite. “In this world, you will have trouble,” He told His followers (John 16:33). And before His own brutal death, He warned His friends that they will be arrested, beaten, even killed for following Him. Family members will even turn against family members for the sake of the Truth of Jesus (Mark 13:9-13). James also tells us to count it all joy when we have trials—not if, but when (1:2-4).

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the men and women following closely after God typically “lost” at the world’s game in order to achieve the ultimate Win.

In addition to this warning, the Word of God also provides a lot of encouragement! When life gets challenging, overwhelming, anxiety-producing, and just plain hard, God has promised to be our strength and help. Here are just a few on which we can cling:

• God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3) 
• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) 
• The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10) 
• My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.  (Thessalonians 3:3)

But the best news of all? Despite what sufferings and challenges we endure in this life, those of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus do—in fact—win. And I’d like to think that when we sit down together at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, there will be lots and lots of delicious cake.

Lord, when trials come—because they will—may I rely on the promise of Your strength and sufficiency.

Psalm 10

Why do You stand far away, Lord?
Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the needy;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.

For the wicked boasts of his soul’s desire,
And the greedy person curses and shows disrespect to the Lord.
The wicked, in his haughtiness, does not seek Him.
There is no God in all his schemes.

His ways succeed at all times;
Yet Your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
As for all his enemies, he snorts at them.
He says to himself, “I will not be moved;
Throughout the generations I will not be in adversity.”
His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression;
Under his tongue is harm and injustice.
He sits in the lurking places of the villages;
He kills the innocent in the secret places;
His eyes surreptitiously watch for the unfortunate.
He lurks in secret like a lion in his lair;
He lurks to catch the needy;
He catches the needy when he pulls him into his net.
Then he crushes the needy one, who cowers;
And unfortunate people fall by his mighty power.
He says to himself, “God has forgotten;
He has hidden His face; He will never see it.”

Arise, Lord; God, lift up Your hand.
Do not forget the humble.
Why has the wicked treated God disrespectfully?
He has said to himself, “You will not require an account.”
You have seen it, for You have looked at harm and provocation to take it into Your hand.
The unfortunate commits himself to You;
You have been the helper of the orphan.
Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer,
Seek out his wickedness until You find none.

The Lord is King forever and ever;
Nations have perished from His land.
Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their heart, You will make Your ear attentive
To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed,
So that mankind, which is of the earth, will no longer cause terror.